Skip to main content
U.S. Edition
Search
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FOOTBALL

Park to make United debut on tour

story.park.afp.jpg
Park joined United in a $7 million transfer from PSV Eindhoven

MANCHESTER, England -- South Korean international Park Ji-Sung will make his debut for Manchester United in Hong Kong, on the first leg of their Asian tour later this month, his new club has announced.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who signed for four million pounds ( $7 million) from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven this month, will be part of a near full strength squad to play the Hong Kong national team on July 23.

Other new captures, Chinese youngster Dong Fangzhuo and Dutch veteran goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar, are also in the squad.

Other big attractions for the fans in Hong Kong, Beijing and Tokyo, will be Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo and Paul Scholes.

United captain Roy Keane and defender Wes Brown will remain at home because of injuries.

Argentine Gabriel Heinze has also been rested after playing in last month's Confederations Cup.

Manchester United played in Hong Kong in 1997 and 1999 and manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he was looking forward to returning with new faces in the team.

"A lot has changed since our last visit to Hong Kong. We are fortunate in that we have a tremendous depth of talent at the club at present," he said.

"There are many exciting new faces since we there last there in 1999. However, our commitment, our drive and determination to succeed remain the same."

Goalkeeper der Sar says is prepared to sacrifice his international career if it means he can hang onto his first team place at Manchester United.

story.der-sar.afp.jpg
Van der Sar discusses points with manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 34-year-old, who was signed from Fulham in the summer as Ferguson ran out of patience with Tim Howard and Roy Carroll, becomes the latest man to try to fill the boots of Peter Schmeichel who left Old Trafford in 1999.

"I do not see this as my last contract," said the Dutchman.

"As long as I am fit, still enjoying it and have the qualities required to play at the highest level, I would still go on for at least three years.

"But my national career in Holland could be different. We have the World Cup next year, so that might be a point where you could say 'I am going to stop'."

Ferguson is desperate for van der Sar to prolong his career as long as he can.

United have gone through six first-choice keepers since Schmeichel left, including Mark Bosnich, Fabien Barthez and the hapless Massimo Taibi, yet the issue of replacing the great Dane remains.

Only Barthez has really come close, yet by 2003 even the Frenchman's eccentricities were outweighing his ability.

Story Tools
Click Here to try 4 Free Trial Issues of Time! cover
Top Stories
Get up-to-the minute news from CNN
CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.
Top Stories
Get up-to-the minute news from CNN
CNN.com gives you the latest stories and video from the around the world, with in-depth coverage of U.S. news, politics, entertainment, health, crime, tech and more.
 
 
 
 
CNN U.S.
CNN TV E-mail Services CNN Mobile CNNAvantGo Ad Info About Us Preferences
Search
© 2007 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us. Site Map.
Offsite Icon External sites open in new window; not endorsed by CNN.com
Pipeline Icon Pay service with live and archived video. Learn more
Radio News Icon Download audio news  |  RSS Feed Add RSS headlines